Mobile Microcell Deployment Scheduler And Management System

ABSTRACT

A system includes a super microcell configured to communicate on a mobile network and a plurality of mobile microcells in communication with the super microcell. Each of the plurality of mobile microcells are configured to move in tandem with a mobile platform. The system also includes an edge management system in communication with the super microcell and the mobile microcell, a scheduling engine in communication with the edge management system, wherein the scheduling engine configured to determine service coverage of the plurality of mobile microcells based on routes of the mobile platforms.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure is directed to a system and method for adding mobile microcells to a 5G network, and, more specifically, to a system and method for scheduling, deploying and management of a mobile microcell system.

BACKGROUND

With the advent of widespread Internet of Things (IoT) adoption in enterprise applications including manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and more—alongside an increasing dependence on smartphones and always-connected computers, network carriers are deploying 5 g networks to handle the speeds, efficiency and computing power required for connectivity and communications. Such 5G networks typically will utilize a shorter wavelength and therefore higher speeds for its communication protocols. As such, 5G will require a much greater number of base stations and microcells dispersed more closely to each other.

One of the main challenges in the deployment of 5G network is the access to real state in the form of buildings and infrastructure to install the microcells approximately every few hundred feet. This is especially challenging in larger urban areas. The challenge is further exacerbated in trying to maintain 5G coverage in dense areas such as big cities with the number of users changing dramatically throughout the day.

There is a need to apply the concepts of edge computing with the deployment of 5G communication cells to provide a system and method for efficiently scheduling, deploying and management of those cells.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to a system including a super microcell configured to communicate on a mobile network, a plurality of mobile microcells in communication with the super microcell, each of the plurality of mobile microcells configured to move in tandem with a mobile platform, an edge management system in communication with the super microcell and the mobile microcell, and a scheduling engine in communication with the edge management system, the scheduling engine configured to determine service coverage of the plurality of mobile microcells based on routes of the mobile platforms. The system may further include a policy database having service levels contained therein, the policy database being in communication with the edge management system and the scheduling engine. The system may also include a second plurality of mobile microcells wherein each of the plurality of mobile microcells being attached to an unmanned aerial vehicle. In an aspect, the scheduling engine may further include an adjustment engine and wherein inputs to the adjustment engine include external event data comprising one of an emergency event or a weather event.

In an aspect, the system may further include a second mobile microcell attached to an unmanned aerial vehicle wherein the scheduling engine is configured to determine whether additional service capacity is desired. The system may include a policy database having a service level for a coverage area contained therein, the policy database being in communication with the edge management system and the scheduling engine wherein the scheduling engine uses the service level to determine whether additional service capacity is desired. In an aspect, the mobile microcell rotates while traversing a coverage area.

The present disclosure is also directed to a method including accessing a schedule of a plurality of mobile platforms, each of the mobile platforms having a mobile microcell moving in tandem therewith, determining a service level for a coverage area, comparing a capacity of network resources in the coverage area with the service level, and scheduling one of a plurality of mobile platforms to provide a mobile microcell in the coverage area based on the comparing step. The method may further include receiving external event data and assessing the capacity of the network resources in the coverage area in view of the external event and wherein the external event is one of a weather event or an emergency event. The method may further include adjusting the capacity of the network resources to meet the service level wherein the adjusting step comprises adjusting the capacity of the network resources by deploying a supplemental mobile microcell attached to an unmanned aerial vehicle in the coverage area. In an aspect, the mobile platforms comprise municipal vehicles.

The method may further include adjusting the capacity of the network resources by deploying a supplemental mobile microcell attached to an unmanned aerial vehicle in the coverage area. The method may further include coordinating when mobile platforms are entering or leaving the coverage area and the scheduling step includes the coordinating step.

The disclosure is also directed to a network including an edge management system in communication with a core network, a super microcell in communication the edge management system, and a mobile microcell in communication with the super microcell. The network may further include a scheduling engine configured to control the use of the mobile microcell in the network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the herein described telecommunications network and systems and methods for controlling vehicular traffic are described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, which provide examples. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the variations in implementing the disclosed technology. However, the instant disclosure may take many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein. Where practical, like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

FIG. 1a is a block diagram of an exemplary operating environment in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 1b is a block diagram of an exemplary scheduling engine in accordance with the present disclosure

FIG. 1c is a functional block diagram of an exemplary mobile platform with a mobile microcell attached that may be used in the operating environment of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 1d is a functional block diagram of an exemplary configuration showing two mobile platforms in communication with super microcells with overlapping coverage areas.

FIG. 2a is a flowchart of an exemplary method of scheduling microcell coverage in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2b is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for using additional mobile microcells based on scheduling or other deficiencies in coverage.

FIG. 3 is a schematic of an exemplary network device.

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary communication system that provide wireless telecommunication services over wireless communication networks with which edge computing node may communicate.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary communication system that provide wireless telecommunication services over wireless communication networks with which edge computing node may communicate.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of an exemplary telecommunications system in which the disclosed methods and processes may be implemented with which edge computing node may communicate.

FIG. 7 is an example system diagram of a radio access network and a core network with which edge computing node may communicate.

FIG. 8 depicts an overall block diagram of an example packet-based mobile cellular network environment, such as a general packet radio service (GPRS) network, with which edge computing node may communicate.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary architecture of a GPRS network with which edge computing node may communicate.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an exemplary public land mobile network (PLMN) with which edge computing node may communicate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

System Overview. 5G cellular communications requires the deployment of a multitude of 5G microcells throughout the service areas, be those areas rural, suburban or urban settings. It may not be possible to deploy the quantity of 5G microcells needed to deliver the high speed, low latency services demanded by the applications on fixed structure, which is the current paradigm. This disclosure is directed to the deployment of modified mobile 5G microcells, wherein such mobile 5G microcells may be placed on public transportation vehicles such as busses, trains, taxis, or the like, police patrols or traffic enforcement vehicles, and municipal vehicles such as garbage trucks, street cleaners, or other vehicles that may follow a schedule or a quasi-schedule. These mobile 5G microcells may provide coverage to surrounding areas as the vehicles move through a service area.

The system may include a coverage scheduler. The implementation of a coverage scheduler may consider schedules, routes, fixed microcells and the schedules of other deployed mobile 5G microcells to estimate the coverage at any given time. The scheduler may also consider traffic delays and schedule irregularities, either in real time, near real time, or estimated based on past experience. In an aspect, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) may also supplement the mobile microcells to cover gaps in coverage as desired.

The system may include a policy database which may contain a policy for each coverage area. The policies may include required coverage per daily or weekly time periods and system level availability (SLA) requirements per time of day and day of week. The policy database may also contain an identification of the registered mobile nodes and the super microcells and their locations for handoffs.

There may also be an interface to the edge management system which manages and connects with the super microcells to implement and enforce the policy as much as possible to keep level of coverage as required by managing number of activated and deactivated mobile nodes based on the SLA requirements. The edge management system may also manage the he handoff of mobile nodes between and among the super microcells.

As such, the system and method of the present disclosure may take advantage of edge computing techniques that have pushed functionality typically located in the core network to the network edge. The system of the present disclosure pushes the network edge further to super microcells and mobile microcells. The system thus utilizes a combination of fixed and mobile microcells to expand network edge capabilities for time-sensitive and/or resource-intensive communications and to expand the coverage areas demanded by 5G networks.

The present disclosure provides a useful application of the configuration and control of components of the system and the methods of use of the system. It advances the technological arts by expanding the coverage, efficiency and scalability of a 5G network.

Operating Environment. FIG. 1 shows an exemplary system 10 of the present disclosure. There are shown two coverage areas 11 a, 11 b. These coverage areas 11 a and 11 b are shown in rectangular shape and non-overlapping in this exemplary configuration for clarity, but it will be understood that the actual coverage areas will vary in shape and size based on geographic considerations, signal strengths, system architecture, design preferences and constraints, and other factors. Additionally, coverage areas will often overlap to prevent gaps in service coverages. Within each coverage area 11 a, 11 b there is shown a super microcell 12 a, 12 b in communication with one or a plurality of mobile microcells 13 a, 13 b.

Each super microcell may be in a fixed position and may, for example, be co-located with existing cellular towers, mounted on light poles or buildings, mounted on self-supporting structures, or any other mounting configuration or base. An exemplary mounting is shown in FIG. 1B wherein the super microcell 13 c is shown mounted on pole 16. As will be described in more detail below, super microcells 12 a, 12 b may be configured to communicate with the mobile 5G microcells 13 a, 13 b and relay the traffic via fiber optic or backhaul wireless channels to the 5G core network. Super microcell 12 a, 12 b may also be configured to communicate directly with individual mobile devices such as cellular phones, smartphones, tablets and the like. Additionally, super microcells 12 a, 12 b may also coordinate the handoff between mobile 5G microcells 13 a, 13 b based on their speed, direction, availability or other factors. Super microcells 12 a, 12 b may also be configured to coordinate the temporary deployment and use of mobile 5G microcells 13 a, 13 b mounted onboard of drones to cover gaps or potential gaps in coverage areas.

With reference to FIG. 1c , mobile 5G microcells 13 c may be configured to be mounted on busses, trains, trolleys, police vehicles, or any other mobile platform 17. Unless otherwise set forth herein, mobile platform 17 will be used herein to mean any such land-based vehicles having a microcell 13 c attached to the mobile platform, having a mobile microcell 13 c placed within the mobile platform 17 or towed by the mobile platform 17 or otherwise having a mobile microcell moving in tandem with a mobile microcell 13 c. The term “moving in tandem” shall mean any configuration of a mobile microcell 13 c moving as part of or in conjunction with the moving of the mobile platform 17. As shown in FIG. 1C, mobile microcell 13 c may be mounted on mobile platform 17 which may, for example, be an automobile. Mobile microcell 13 c may be mounted so as to be rotatable to provide 360 degrees of coverage in an area. The mobile microcell 13 c may rotate regardless the motion or direction of the vehicle to provide coverage to intended areas and to communicate with devices such as device 18. The speed of the rotation may be such so as to permit coverage throughout the 360-degree rotation cycle without interruption of the call or data flows. Multiple antennas may be included in the mobile microcell 13 c to reduce the risk of dropped or interrupted call sessions

In an aspect, the mobile platform 17 may follow some pattern or schedule through a route to allow for the appropriate scheduling of the mobile microcell resources. The mobile microcell 13 c may be configured to communicate directly with individual mobile devices such as cellular phones, smartphones, tablets and the like and then pass the network traffic to super microcells 12 c for further processing and communications. Mobile microcells 13 a, 13 b may also be configured to provide updates to the network regarding their respective locations, schedules for being located in the specific coverage area and any impediments to meeting that schedule such as traffic, accidents or other events, and available capacity and changes thereto.

Continuing with FIG. 1A, there is also shown an edge management system 14 in communication with policy database 15. Policy database 15 may include the policy for one or more service areas in terms of required coverage per time of day and days of the week. Such policies may be in the form of service level agreements (SLA) which may guide the desired speeds, coverage areas, availability, maintenance, and other parameters of service levels to be provided by the combination of super microcells 12 a, 12 b and mobile microcells 13 a, 13 b. The policy database 15 may also include the parameters for back-up or supplemental coverage for mobile microcells 13 a, 13 b to be deployed on drones. The policy database 15 may also contain a roster of registered mobile microcells 13 a, 13 b, and super microcells 12 a, 12 b and their locations and parameters for handoffs. The policy database 15 may also contain the municipality schedules and routes for the mobile platforms and the reliability of such routes and schedules by also providing statistical information relating to on-time arrivals and coverage areas.

The edge management system 14, in communication with the policy database 15, may also manage and be in communication with super microcells 12 a, 12 b to implement and enforce the policies and manage to the SLAs. The edge management system 14, may manage the SLAs by monitoring and dynamically managing the activation and deactivation of mobile microcells. The edge management system 14 may also manage the handoff of mobile microcells 13 a, 13 b to super microcells 12 a, 12 b as they move from a service area 11 a to service area 11 b and vice-versa. The edge management system 14 is shown in communication with core network 8.

Together, the edge management system 14 and the super microcells 12 a, 12 b may predict the service capacity available based on the mobile platforms 17 moving in and out of certain designated coverage areas and adjust the resources available. The edge management system 14 may provide the next available super microcell 12 a, 12 b, with registration information of the mobile microcells 13 a, 13 b in advance of any handoff. The edge management system 14 may also connect to traffic grid through the super microcells 12 a, 12 b with mobile platforms 17 equipped with mobile microcells to track their location and direction. The edge management system 14 may also command the super microcells to activate or deactivate mobile microcells based on the capacity dictated by the SLAs.

The edge management system 14 and policy database 15 may also be in communication with scheduling engine 9. With reference to FIG. 1b , there is shown an exemplary scheduling engine 29. Scheduling engine 29 may receive inputs from the policy database 15 which may, for example, include network policies and SLAs on a per area basis. The scheduling engine 29 may also receive inputs based on network performance metrics, which may, for example, include but not be limited to current loads, peak loads and expected future network loads. The scheduling engine 29 may also receive in puts to municipal schedules such as train and bus schedules, police patrols, or other schedules associated with the mobile platforms 17. The scheduling engine 29 may also receive inputs based on external events. For example, such inputs may include emergency events, weather events, one-off or periodic scheduled events such as a parade, presidential motorcade, or other events that may impact traffic and thereby the movement of mobile platforms 17 through a service area.

The scheduling engine 29 may include a scheduling engine 24 which may, for example, process municipal schedules and other regular routing information to schedule the use of mobile platforms 17 in view of the policies and SLAs. There may also be an adjustment engine 22 which may, for example, utilize inputs relating to network metrics and external events to adjust the schedules generated by the scheduling engine 24 based on such metrics and events. The adjustment engine may also use data analytics and artificial intelligence to predict loading and the level of resources required to meet the SLAs and any spike or decrease in network loading. The output of the scheduling engine 29 may be schedules for the deployment and use of mobile platforms 17 and the deployment of UAV resources for additional mobile microcell capacity and coverage.

Operations. With reference to FIG. 1c , there is shown an exemplary use case in which mobile platforms 20 a and 20 b each having microcells attached thereto are traveling in opposite directions through an intersection, with mobile platform 20 b traveling North and mobile platform 20 a traveling South. Super microcell 19 a has a coverage area approximated by 18 a, while super microcell 19 b has a coverage area approximated by 18 b. There are also shown 4 vehicles 21 a, 21 b, 21 c traveling north and vehicle 21 d traveling south, each vehicle 21 a, 21 b, 21 c, 21 d having a network device associated therewith. In this use case, the microcell associated with mobile platform 18 a provides service to vehicles 21 a, 21 b while those vehicles are in coverage area 18 a. The communications traffic is then transmitted from the microcell on mobile platform 18 a to super microcell 19 a for further communication to the 5G cellular network. In a like manner, the microcell associated with mobile platform 20 b provides service to vehicles 21 c, 21 d in coverage area 18 b. The communications traffic is then transmitted from the microcell on mobile platform 18 b to super microcell 19 b for further communication with the 5G cellular network.

In this example, vehicle 21 c is traveling North and located within the boundaries of both service areas 18 a, 18 b. Since vehicle 21 c is traveling towards coverage area 18 a, depending on the relative speeds or the mobile platforms 20 a, 20 b and vehicle 21 c, several handoffs are possible. In an aspect, the device in vehicle 21 c may continue to communicate with the microcell associated with mobile platform 20 b and mobile platform 20 b will be handed off from super microcell 19 b to super microcell 19 a. In another instance, the device associated with vehicle 21 c may be handed off from the microcell associated with mobile platform 20 b to the microcell associated with mobile platform 20 a. The other devices may have similar options for handoffs as they travel through the intersection and coverage areas.

FIG. 2a shows a flow chart 200 which provides an example method of scheduling, deploying, and managing resources. At 201, mobile platforms 17 and their associated mobile microcells are registered. The registration process may include, for example, registration in the core network, registration in the edge management system 14 and registration in the scheduling engine 9. At 202, schedules of mobile platforms 17 are accessed and stored for use by the scheduling engine 9. At 203, policies and SLAs are accessed from the database 15. At 204, the mobile microcells are scheduled in accordance with the policies, SLAs and schedules. At 205, the mobile microcells are associated with and connected to super microcells. At 205, network devices are connected to the mobile microcells, thereby enabling the network devices to communicate on the core network. At 207, there is a decision point as to whether a handoff is needed. If not, the communication continues at 208 until a handoff is needed or the communication session ends. If a handoff is needed at 207, the scheduler may compare the speed, location, and direction of both the connected network device and the associated mobile microcell to determine the proper handoff at 209. At 210, the decision is made as to whether to handoff the mobile microcell from a first super microcell to a second super microcell. If the mobile microcell is moving out of a first coverage zone into a second coverage zone and the connected network device is travelling at a speed, location and direction compatible with the movement of the mobile microcell, then a decision is made at 210 to handoff the mobile microcell from the super microcell in the first coverage area to the super microcell in the second coverage area at 211. If the decision is made at 210 not to handoff the mobile microcell but rather to hand off the connected device from a first mobile microcell to a second mobile microcell, the handoff occurs at 212. In either case, the communication session continues at 208 until a next handoff is needed or the communication session ends.

In an aspect, capacity may need to be altered based on the policies, SLAs and external events. FIG. 2b illustrates an exemplary process 220 to handle such a process. At 221, mobile microcells are assigned to super microcells in accordance with a determination by the scheduling engine. At 222, SLAs are compared to actual coverage based on network traffic loads and external events. At 223, there is a determination whether extra capacity is needed. If not, the process continues at 224 until extra capacity is needed. If there is a determination at 223 that extra capacity is needed, then additional mobile microcells are deployed on UAVs at 225. At 226, the UAV mobile microcells are assigned to super microcells and become operational on the network. It will be understood that this process will also work in reverse when it is determined that extra capacity is no longer needed, the mobile microcells deployed on UAVs may then be recalled or disconnected from the network.

Device and Network Description. FIG. 1 shows a box labeled core network 8. What follows is an exemplary description of a core network 8. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of network device 300 that may be connected to or comprise a component of edge computing node 104 or connected to edge computing node 104 via a network. Network device 300 may comprise hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The functionality to facilitate telecommunications via a telecommunications network may reside in one or combination of network devices 300. Network device 300 depicted in FIG. 3 may represent or perform functionality of an appropriate network device 300, or combination of network devices 300, such as, for example, a component or various components of a cellular broadcast system wireless network, a processor, a server, a gateway, a node, a mobile switching center (MSC), a short message service center (SMSC), an ALFS, a gateway mobile location center (GMLC), a radio access network (RAN), a serving mobile location center (SMLC), or the like, or any appropriate combination thereof. It is emphasized that the block diagram depicted in FIG. 3 is exemplary and not intended to imply a limitation to a specific implementation or configuration. Thus, network device 300 may be implemented in a single device or multiple devices (e.g., single server or multiple servers, single gateway or multiple gateways, single controller or multiple controllers). Multiple network entities may be distributed or centrally located. Multiple network entities may communicate wirelessly, via hard wire, or any appropriate combination thereof.

Network device 300 may comprise a processor 302 and a memory 304 coupled to processor 302. Memory 304 may contain executable instructions that, when executed by processor 302, cause processor 302 to effectuate operations associated with mapping wireless signal strength. As evident from the description herein, network device 300 is not to be construed as software per se.

In addition to processor 302 and memory 304, network device 300 may include an input/output system 306. Processor 302, memory 304, and input/output system 306 may be coupled together (coupling not shown in FIG. 3) to allow communications therebetween. Each portion of network device 300 may comprise circuitry for performing functions associated with each respective portion. Thus, each portion may comprise hardware, or a combination of hardware and software. Accordingly, each portion of network device 300 is not to be construed as software per se. Input/output system 306 may be capable of receiving or providing information from or to a communications device or other network entities configured for telecommunications. For example, input/output system 306 may include a wireless communications (e.g., 3G/4G/GPS) card. Input/output system 306 may be capable of receiving or sending video information, audio information, control information, image information, data, or any combination thereof. Input/output system 306 may be capable of transferring information with network device 300. In various configurations, input/output system 306 may receive or provide information via any appropriate means, such as, for example, optical means (e.g., infrared), electromagnetic means (e.g., RF, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, ZigBee®), acoustic means (e.g., speaker, microphone, ultrasonic receiver, ultrasonic transmitter), or a combination thereof. In an example configuration, input/output system 306 may comprise a Wi-Fi finder, a two-way GPS chipset or equivalent, or the like, or a combination thereof.

Input/output system 306 of network device 300 also may contain a communication connection 308 that allows network device 300 to communicate with other devices, network entities, or the like. Communication connection 308 may comprise communication media. Communication media typically embody computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media may include wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, or wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared, or other wireless media. The term computer-readable media as used herein includes both storage media and communication media. Input/output system 306 also may include an input device 310 such as keyboard, mouse, pen, voice input device, or touch input device. Input/output system 306 may also include an output device 312, such as a display, speakers, or a printer.

Processor 302 may be capable of performing functions associated with telecommunications, such as functions for processing broadcast messages, as described herein. For example, processor 302 may be capable of, in conjunction with any other portion of network device 300, determining a type of broadcast message and acting according to the broadcast message type or content, as described herein.

Memory 304 of network device 300 may comprise a storage medium having a concrete, tangible, physical structure. As is known, a signal does not have a concrete, tangible, physical structure. Memory 304, as well as any computer-readable storage medium described herein, is not to be construed as a signal. Memory 304, as well as any computer-readable storage medium described herein, is not to be construed as a transient signal. Memory 304, as well as any computer-readable storage medium described herein, is not to be construed as a propagating signal. Memory 304, as well as any computer-readable storage medium described herein, is to be construed as an article of manufacture.

Memory 304 may store any information utilized in conjunction with telecommunications. Depending upon the exact configuration or type of processor, memory 304 may include a volatile storage 314 (such as some types of RAM), a nonvolatile storage 316 (such as ROM, flash memory), or a combination thereof. Memory 304 may include additional storage (e.g., a removable storage 318 or a nonremovable storage 320) including, for example, tape, flash memory, smart cards, CD-ROM, DVD, or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, USB-compatible memory, or any other medium that can be used to store information and that can be accessed by network device 300. Memory 304 may comprise executable instructions that, when executed by processor 302, cause processor 302 to effectuate operations to map signal strengths in an area of interest.

FIG. 4 illustrates a functional block diagram depicting one example of an LTE-EPS network architecture 400 related to the current disclosure. In particular, the network architecture 400 disclosed herein is referred to as a modified LTE-EPS architecture 400 to distinguish it from a traditional LTE-EPS architecture.

An example modified LTE-EPS architecture 400 is based at least in part on standards developed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), with information available at www.3gpp.org. In one embodiment, the LTE-EPS network architecture 400 includes an access network 402, a core network 404, e.g., an EPC or Common BackBone (CBB) and one or more external networks 406, sometimes referred to as PDN or peer entities. Different external networks 406 can be distinguished from each other by a respective network identifier, e.g., a label according to DNS naming conventions describing an access point to the PDN. Such labels can be referred to as Access Point Names (APN). External networks 406 can include one or more trusted and non-trusted external networks such as an internet protocol (IP) network 408, an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) network 410, and other networks 412, such as a service network, a corporate network, or the like.

Access network 402 can include an LTE network architecture sometimes referred to as Evolved Universal mobile Telecommunication system Terrestrial Radio Access (E UTRA) and evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN). Broadly, access network 402 can include one or more communication devices, commonly referred to as UE 414, and one or more wireless access nodes, or base stations 416 a, 416 b. During network operations, at least one base station 416 communicates directly with UE 414. Base station 416 can be an evolved Node B (e-NodeB), with which UE 414 communicates over the air and wirelessly. UEs 414 can include, without limitation, wireless devices, e.g., satellite communication systems, portable digital assistants (PDAs), laptop computers, tablet devices and other mobile devices (e.g., cellular telephones, smart appliances, and so on). UEs 414 can connect to eNBs 416 when UE 414 is within range according to a corresponding wireless communication technology.

UE 414 generally runs one or more applications that engage in a transfer of packets between UE 414 and one or more external networks 406. Such packet transfers can include one of downlink packet transfers from external network 406 to UE 414, uplink packet transfers from UE 414 to external network 406 or combinations of uplink and downlink packet transfers. Applications can include, without limitation, web browsing, VoIP, streaming media and the like. Each application can pose different Quality of Service (QoS) requirements on a respective packet transfer. Different packet transfers can be served by different bearers within core network 404, e.g., according to parameters, such as the QoS.

Core network 404 uses a concept of bearers, e.g., EPS bearers, to route packets, e.g., IP traffic, between a particular gateway in core network 404 and UE 414. A bearer refers generally to an IP packet flow with a defined QoS between the particular gateway and UE 414. Access network 402, e.g., E UTRAN, and core network 404 together set up and release bearers as required by the various applications. Bearers can be classified in at least two different categories: (i) minimum guaranteed bit rate bearers, e.g., for applications, such as VoIP; and (ii) non-guaranteed bit rate bearers that do not require guarantee bit rate, e.g., for applications, such as web browsing.

In one embodiment, the core network 404 includes various network entities, such as MME 418, SGW 420, Home Subscriber Server (HSS) 422, Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) 424 and PGW 426. In one embodiment, MME 418 comprises a control node performing a control signaling between various equipment and devices in access network 402 and core network 404. The protocols running between UE 414 and core network 404 are generally known as Non-Access Stratum (NAS) protocols.

For illustration purposes only, the terms MME 418, SGW 420, HSS 422 and PGW 426, and so on, can be server devices, but may be referred to in the subject disclosure without the word “server.” It is also understood that any form of such servers can operate in a device, system, component, or other form of centralized or distributed hardware and software. It is further noted that these terms and other terms such as bearer paths and/or interfaces are terms that can include features, methodologies, and/or fields that may be described in whole or in part by standards bodies such as the 3GPP. It is further noted that some or all embodiments of the subject disclosure may in whole or in part modify, supplement, or otherwise supersede final or proposed standards published and promulgated by 3GPP.

According to traditional implementations of LTE-EPS architectures, SGW 420 routes and forwards all user data packets. SGW 420 also acts as a mobility anchor for user plane operation during handovers between base stations, e.g., during a handover from first eNB 416 a to second eNB 416 b as may be the result of UE 414 moving from one area of coverage, e.g., cell, to another. SGW 420 can also terminate a downlink data path, e.g., from external network 406 to UE 414 in an idle state, and trigger a paging operation when downlink data arrives for UE 414. SGW 420 can also be configured to manage and store a context for UE 414, e.g., including one or more of parameters of the IP bearer service and network internal routing information. In addition, SGW 420 can perform administrative functions, e.g., in a visited network, such as collecting information for charging (e.g., the volume of data sent to or received from the user), and/or replicate user traffic, e.g., to support a lawful interception. SGW 420 also serves as the mobility anchor for interworking with other 3GPP technologies such as universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS).

At any given time, UE 414 is generally in one of three different states: detached, idle, or active. The detached state is typically a transitory state in which UE 414 is powered on but is engaged in a process of searching and registering with network 402. In the active state, UE 414 is registered with access network 402 and has established a wireless connection, e.g., radio resource control (RRC) connection, with eNB 416. Whether UE 414 is in an active state can depend on the state of a packet data session, and whether there is an active packet data session. In the idle state, UE 414 is generally in a power conservation state in which UE 414 typically does not communicate packets. When UE 414 is idle, SGW 420 can terminate a downlink data path, e.g., from one peer entity 406, and triggers paging of UE 414 when data arrives for UE 414. If UE 414 responds to the page, SGW 420 can forward the IP packet to eNB 416 a.

HSS 422 can manage subscription-related information for a user of UE 414. For example, tHSS 422 can store information such as authorization of the user, security requirements for the user, quality of service (QoS) requirements for the user, etc. HSS 422 can also hold information about external networks 406 to which the user can connect, e.g., in the form of an APN of external networks 406. For example, MME 418 can communicate with HSS 422 to determine if UE 414 is authorized to establish a call, e.g., a voice over IP (VoIP) call before the call is established.

PCRF 424 can perform QoS management functions and policy control. PCRF 424 is responsible for policy control decision-making, as well as for controlling the flow-based charging functionalities in a policy control enforcement function (PCEF), which resides in PGW 426. PCRF 424 provides the QoS authorization, e.g., QoS class identifier and bit rates that decide how a certain data flow will be treated in the PCEF and ensures that this is in accordance with the user's subscription profile.

PGW 426 can provide connectivity between the UE 414 and one or more of the external networks 406. In illustrative network architecture 400, PGW 426 can be responsible for IP address allocation for UE 414, as well as one or more of QoS enforcement and flow-based charging, e.g., according to rules from the PCRF 424. PGW 426 is also typically responsible for filtering downlink user IP packets into the different QoS-based bearers. In at least some embodiments, such filtering can be performed based on traffic flow templates. PGW 426 can also perform QoS enforcement, e.g., for guaranteed bit rate bearers. PGW 426 also serves as a mobility anchor for interworking with non-3GPP technologies such as CDMA2000.

Within access network 402 and core network 404 there may be various bearer paths/interfaces, e.g., represented by solid lines 428 and 430. Some of the bearer paths can be referred to by a specific label. For example, solid line 428 can be considered an S1-U bearer and solid line 432 can be considered an S5/S8 bearer according to LTE-EPS architecture standards. Without limitation, reference to various interfaces, such as S1, X2, S5, S8, S11 refer to EPS interfaces. In some instances, such interface designations are combined with a suffix, e.g., a “U” or a “C” to signify whether the interface relates to a “User plane” or a “Control plane.” In addition, the core network 404 can include various signaling bearer paths/interfaces, e.g., control plane paths/interfaces represented by dashed lines 430, 434, 436, and 438. Some of the signaling bearer paths may be referred to by a specific label. For example, dashed line 430 can be considered as an S1-MME signaling bearer, dashed line 434 can be considered as an S11 signaling bearer and dashed line 436 can be considered as an S6a signaling bearer, e.g., according to LTE-EPS architecture standards. The above bearer paths and signaling bearer paths are only illustrated as examples and it should be noted that additional bearer paths and signaling bearer paths may exist that are not illustrated.

Also shown is a novel user plane path/interface, referred to as the S1-U+ interface 466. In the illustrative example, the S1-U+ user plane interface extends between the eNB 416 a and PGW 426. Notably, S1-U+ path/interface does not include SGW 420, a node that is otherwise instrumental in configuring and/or managing packet forwarding between eNB 416 a and one or more external networks 406 by way of PGW 426. As disclosed herein, the S1-U+ path/interface facilitates autonomous learning of peer transport layer addresses by one or more of the network nodes to facilitate a self-configuring of the packet forwarding path. In particular, such self-configuring can be accomplished during handovers in most scenarios so as to reduce any extra signaling load on the S/PGWs 420, 426 due to excessive handover events.

In some embodiments, PGW 426 is coupled to storage device 440, shown in phantom. Storage device 440 can be integral to one of the network nodes, such as PGW 426, for example, in the form of internal memory and/or disk drive. It is understood that storage device 440 can include registers suitable for storing address values. Alternatively, or in addition, storage device 440 can be separate from PGW 426, for example, as an external hard drive, a flash drive, and/or network storage.

Storage device 440 selectively stores one or more values relevant to the forwarding of packet data. For example, storage device 440 can store identities and/or addresses of network entities, such as any of network nodes 418, 420, 422, 424, and 426, eNBs 416 and/or UE 414. In the illustrative example, storage device 440 includes a first storage location 442 and a second storage location 444. First storage location 442 can be dedicated to storing a Currently Used Downlink address value 442. Likewise, second storage location 444 can be dedicated to storing a Default Downlink Forwarding address value 444. PGW 426 can read and/or write values into either of storage locations 442, 444, for example, managing Currently Used Downlink Forwarding address value 442 and Default Downlink Forwarding address value 444 as disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, the Default Downlink Forwarding address for each EPS bearer is the SGW S5-U address for each EPS Bearer. The Currently Used Downlink Forwarding address” for each EPS bearer in PGW 426 can be set every time when PGW 426 receives an uplink packet, e.g., a GTP-U uplink packet, with a new source address for a corresponding EPS bearer. When UE 414 is in an idle state, the “Current Used Downlink Forwarding address” field for each EPS bearer of UE 414 can be set to a “null” or other suitable value.

In some embodiments, the Default Downlink Forwarding address is only updated when PGW 426 receives a new SGW S5-U address in a predetermined message or messages. For example, the Default Downlink Forwarding address is only updated when PGW 426 receives one of a Create Session Request, Modify Bearer Request and Create Bearer Response messages from SGW 420.

As values 442, 444 can be maintained and otherwise manipulated on a per bearer basis, it is understood that the storage locations can take the form of tables, spreadsheets, lists, and/or other data structures generally well understood and suitable for maintaining and/or otherwise manipulate forwarding addresses on a per bearer basis.

It should be noted that access network 402 and core network 404 are illustrated in a simplified block diagram in FIG. 4. In other words, either or both of access network 402 and the core network 404 can include additional network elements that are not shown, such as various routers, switches and controllers. In addition, although FIG. 4 illustrates only a single one of each of the various network elements, it should be noted that access network 402 and core network 404 can include any number of the various network elements. For example, core network 404 can include a pool (i.e., more than one) of MMES 418, SGWs 420 or PGWs 426.

In the illustrative example, data traversing a network path between UE 414, eNB 416 a, SGW 420, PGW 426 and external network 406 may be considered to constitute data transferred according to an end-to-end IP service. However, for the present disclosure, to properly perform establishment management in LTE-EPS network architecture 400, the core network, data bearer portion of the end-to-end IP service is analyzed.

An establishment may be defined herein as a connection set up request between any two elements within LTE-EPS network architecture 400. The connection set up request may be for user data or for signaling. A failed establishment may be defined as a connection set up request that was unsuccessful. A successful establishment may be defined as a connection set up request that was successful.

In one embodiment, a data bearer portion comprises a first portion (e.g., a data radio bearer 446) between UE 414 and eNB 416 a, a second portion (e.g., an 51 data bearer 428) between eNB 416 a and SGW 420, and a third portion (e.g., an S5/S8 bearer 432) between SGW 420 and PGW 426. Various signaling bearer portions are also illustrated in FIG. 4. For example, a first signaling portion (e.g., a signaling radio bearer 448) between UE 414 and eNB 416 a, and a second signaling portion (e.g., S1 signaling bearer 430) between eNB 416 a and MME 418.

In at least some embodiments, the data bearer can include tunneling, e.g., IP tunneling, by which data packets can be forwarded in an encapsulated manner, between tunnel endpoints. Tunnels, or tunnel connections can be identified in one or more nodes of network 400, e.g., by one or more of tunnel endpoint identifiers, an IP address and a user datagram protocol port number. Within a particular tunnel connection, payloads, e.g., packet data, which may or may not include protocol related information, are forwarded between tunnel endpoints.

An example of first tunnel solution 450 includes a first tunnel 452 a between two tunnel endpoints 454 a and 456 a, and a second tunnel 452 b between two tunnel endpoints 454 b and 456 b. In the illustrative example, first tunnel 452 a is established between eNB 416 a and SGW 420. Accordingly, first tunnel 452 a includes a first tunnel endpoint 454 a corresponding to an S1-U address of eNB 416 a (referred to herein as the eNB S1-U address), and second tunnel endpoint 456 a corresponding to an S1-U address of SGW 420 (referred to herein as the SGW S1-U address). Likewise, second tunnel 452 b includes first tunnel endpoint 454 b corresponding to an S5-U address of SGW 420 (referred to herein as the SGW S5-U address), and second tunnel endpoint 456 b corresponding to an S5-U address of PGW 426 (referred to herein as the PGW S5-U address).

In at least some embodiments, first tunnel solution 450 is referred to as a two-tunnel solution, e.g., according to the GPRS Tunneling Protocol User Plane (GTPv1-U based), as described in 3GPP specification TS 29.281, incorporated herein in its entirety. It is understood that one or more tunnels are permitted between each set of tunnel end points. For example, each subscriber can have one or more tunnels, e.g., one for each PDP context that they have active, as well as possibly having separate tunnels for specific connections with different quality of service requirements, and so on.

An example of second tunnel solution 458 includes a single or direct tunnel 460 between tunnel endpoints 462 and 464. In the illustrative example, direct tunnel 460 is established between eNB 416 a and PGW 426, without subjecting packet transfers to processing related to SGW 420. Accordingly, direct tunnel 460 includes first tunnel endpoint 462 corresponding to the eNB S1-U address, and second tunnel endpoint 464 corresponding to the PGW S5-U address. Packet data received at either end can be encapsulated into a payload and directed to the corresponding address of the other end of the tunnel. Such direct tunneling avoids processing, e.g., by SGW 420 that would otherwise relay packets between the same two endpoints, e.g., according to a protocol, such as the GTP-U protocol.

In some scenarios, direct tunneling solution 458 can forward user plane data packets between eNB 416 a and PGW 426, by way of SGW 420. That is, SGW 420 can serve a relay function, by relaying packets between two tunnel endpoints 416 a, 426. In other scenarios, direct tunneling solution 458 can forward user data packets between eNB 416 a and PGW 426, by way of the S1 U+ interface, thereby bypassing SGW 420.

Generally, UE 414 can have one or more bearers at any one time. The number and types of bearers can depend on applications, default requirements, and so on. It is understood that the techniques disclosed herein, including the configuration, management and use of various tunnel solutions 450, 458, can be applied to the bearers on an individual basis. That is, if user data packets of one bearer, say a bearer associated with a VoIP service of UE 414, then the forwarding of all packets of that bearer are handled in a similar manner. Continuing with this example, the same UE 414 can have another bearer associated with it through the same eNB 416 a. This other bearer, for example, can be associated with a relatively low rate data session forwarding user data packets through core network 404 simultaneously with the first bearer. Likewise, the user data packets of the other bearer are also handled in a similar manner, without necessarily following a forwarding path or solution of the first bearer. Thus, one of the bearers may be forwarded through direct tunnel 458; whereas, another one of the bearers may be forwarded through a two-tunnel solution 450.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine in the form of a computer system 500 within which a set of instructions, when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods described above. One or more instances of the machine can operate, for example, as processor 302, UE 414, eNB 416, MME 418, SGW 420, HSS 422, PCRF 424, PGW 426 and other devices of FIGS. 1, 2, and 4. In some embodiments, the machine may be connected (e.g., using a network 502) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or a client user machine in a server-client user network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.

The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user computer, a personal computer (PC), a tablet, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a control system, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. It will be understood that a communication device of the subject disclosure includes broadly any electronic device that provides voice, video or data communication. Further, while a single machine is illustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methods discussed herein.

Computer system 500 may include a processor (or controller) 504 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a graphics processing unit (GPU, or both), a main memory 506 and a static memory 508, which communicate with each other via a bus 510. The computer system 500 may further include a display unit 512 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a flat panel, or a solid-state display). Computer system 500 may include an input device 514 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device 516 (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit 518, a signal generation device 520 (e.g., a speaker or remote control) and a network interface device 522. In distributed environments, the embodiments described in the subject disclosure can be adapted to utilize multiple display units 512 controlled by two or more computer systems 500. In this configuration, presentations described by the subject disclosure may in part be shown in a first of display units 512, while the remaining portion is presented in a second of display units 512.

The disk drive unit 518 may include a tangible computer-readable storage medium 524 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g., software 526) embodying any one or more of the methods or functions described herein, including those methods illustrated above. Instructions 526 may also reside, completely or at least partially, within main memory 506, static memory 508, or within processor 504 during execution thereof by the computer system 500. Main memory 506 and processor 504 also may constitute tangible computer-readable storage media.

As shown in FIG. 6, telecommunication system 600 may include wireless transmit/receive units (WTRUs) 602, a RAN 604, a core network 606, a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 608, the Internet 610, or other networks 612, though it will be appreciated that the disclosed examples contemplate any number of WTRUs, base stations, networks, or network elements. Each WTRU 602 may be any type of device configured to operate or communicate in a wireless environment. For example, a WTRU may comprise drone 102, a mobile device, network device 300, or the like, or any combination thereof. By way of example, WTRUs 602 may be configured to transmit or receive wireless signals and may include a UE, a mobile station, a mobile device, a fixed or mobile subscriber unit, a pager, a cellular telephone, a PDA, a smartphone, a laptop, a netbook, a personal computer, a wireless sensor, consumer electronics, or the like. WTRUs 602 may be configured to transmit or receive wireless signals over an air interface 614.

Telecommunication system 600 may also include one or more base stations 616. Each of base stations 616 may be any type of device configured to wirelessly interface with at least one of the WTRUs 602 to facilitate access to one or more communication networks, such as core network 606, PTSN 608, Internet 610, or other networks 612. By way of example, base stations 616 may be a base transceiver station (BTS), a Node-B, an eNode B, a Home Node B, a Home eNode B, a site controller, an access point (AP), a wireless router, or the like. While base stations 616 are each depicted as a single element, it will be appreciated that base stations 616 may include any number of interconnected base stations or network elements.

RAN 604 may include one or more base stations 616, along with other network elements (not shown), such as a base station controller (BSC), a radio network controller (RNC), or relay nodes. One or more base stations 616 may be configured to transmit or receive wireless signals within a particular geographic region, which may be referred to as a cell (not shown). The cell may further be divided into cell sectors. For example, the cell associated with base station 616 may be divided into three sectors such that base station 616 may include three transceivers: one for each sector of the cell. In another example, base station 616 may employ multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology and, therefore, may utilize multiple transceivers for each sector of the cell.

Base stations 616 may communicate with one or more of WTRUs 602 over air interface 614, which may be any suitable wireless communication link (e.g., RF, microwave, infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), or visible light). Air interface 614 may be established using any suitable radio access technology (RAT).

More specifically, as noted above, telecommunication system 600 may be a multiple access system and may employ one or more channel access schemes, such as CDMA, TDMA, FDMA, OFDMA, SC-FDMA, or the like. For example, base station 616 in RAN 604 and WTRUs 602 connected to RAN 604 may implement a radio technology such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA) that may establish air interface 614 using wideband CDMA (WCDMA). WCDMA may include communication protocols, such as High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) or Evolved HSPA (HSPA+). HSPA may include High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) or High-Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA).

As another example base station 616 and WTRUs 602 that are connected to RAN 604 may implement a radio technology such as Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA), which may establish air interface 614 using LTE or LTE-Advanced (LTE-A).

Optionally base station 616 and WTRUs 602 connected to RAN 604 may implement radio technologies such as IEEE 602.16 (i.e., Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX)), CDMA2000, CDMA2000 1×, CDMA2000 EV-DO, Interim Standard 2000 (IS-2000), Interim Standard 95 (IS-95), Interim Standard 856 (IS-856), GSM, Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), GSM EDGE (GERAN), or the like.

Base station 616 may be a wireless router, Home Node B, Home eNode B, or access point, for example, and may utilize any suitable RAT for facilitating wireless connectivity in a localized area, such as a place of business, a home, a vehicle, a campus, or the like. For example, base station 616 and associated WTRUs 602 may implement a radio technology such as IEEE 602.11 to establish a wireless local area network (WLAN). As another example, base station 616 and associated WTRUs 602 may implement a radio technology such as IEEE 602.15 to establish a wireless personal area network (WPAN). In yet another example, base station 616 and associated WTRUs 602 may utilize a cellular-based RAT (e.g., WCDMA, CDMA2000, GSM, LTE, LTE-A, etc.) to establish a picocell or femtocell. As shown in FIG. 6, base station 616 may have a direct connection to Internet 610. Thus, base station 616 may not be required to access Internet 610 via core network 606.

RAN 604 may be in communication with core network 606, which may be any type of network configured to provide voice, data, applications, and/or voice over internet protocol (VoIP) services to one or more WTRUs 602. For example, core network 606 may provide call control, billing services, mobile location-based services, pre-paid calling, Internet connectivity, video distribution or high-level security functions, such as user authentication. Although not shown in FIG. 6, it will be appreciated that RAN 604 or core network 606 may be in direct or indirect communication with other RANs that employ the same RAT as RAN 604 or a different RAT. For example, in addition to being connected to RAN 604, which may be utilizing an E-UTRA radio technology, core network 606 may also be in communication with another RAN (not shown) employing a GSM radio technology.

Core network 606 may also serve as a gateway for WTRUs 602 to access PSTN 608, Internet 610, or other networks 612. PSTN 608 may include circuit-switched telephone networks that provide plain old telephone service (POTS). For LTE core networks, core network 606 may use IMS core 614 to provide access to PSTN 608. Internet 610 may include a global system of interconnected computer networks or devices that use common communication protocols, such as the transmission control protocol (TCP), user datagram protocol (UDP), or IP in the TCP/IP internet protocol suite. Other networks 612 may include wired or wireless communications networks owned or operated by other service providers. For example, other networks 612 may include another core network connected to one or more RANs, which may employ the same RAT as RAN 604 or a different RAT.

Some or all WTRUs 602 in telecommunication system 600 may include multi-mode capabilities. That is, WTRUs 602 may include multiple transceivers for communicating with different wireless networks over different wireless links. For example, one or more WTRUs 602 may be configured to communicate with base station 616, which may employ a cellular-based radio technology, and with base station 616, which may employ an IEEE 802 radio technology.

FIG. 7 is an example system 400 including RAN 604 and core network 606. As noted above, RAN 604 may employ an E-UTRA radio technology to communicate with WTRUs 602 over air interface 614. RAN 604 may also be in communication with core network 606.

RAN 604 may include any number of eNode-Bs 702 while remaining consistent with the disclosed technology. One or more eNode-Bs 702 may include one or more transceivers for communicating with the WTRUs 602 over air interface 614. Optionally, eNode-Bs 702 may implement MIMO technology. Thus, one of eNode-Bs 702, for example, may use multiple antennas to transmit wireless signals to, or receive wireless signals from, one of WTRUs 602.

Each of eNode-Bs 702 may be associated with a particular cell (not shown) and may be configured to handle radio resource management decisions, handover decisions, scheduling of users in the uplink or downlink, or the like. As shown in FIG. 7 eNode-Bs 702 may communicate with one another over an X2 interface.

Core network 606 shown in FIG. 7 may include a mobility management gateway or entity (MME) 704, a serving gateway 706, or a packet data network (PDN) gateway 708. While each of the foregoing elements are depicted as part of core network 606, it will be appreciated that any one of these elements may be owned or operated by an entity other than the core network operator.

MME 704 may be connected to each of eNode-Bs 702 in RAN 604 via an S1 interface and may serve as a control node. For example, MME 704 may be responsible for authenticating users of WTRUs 602, bearer activation or deactivation, selecting a particular serving gateway during an initial attach of WTRUs 602, or the like. MME 704 may also provide a control plane function for switching between RAN 604 and other RANs (not shown) that employ other radio technologies, such as GSM or WCDMA.

Serving gateway 706 may be connected to each of eNode-Bs 702 in RAN 604 via the S1 interface. Serving gateway 706 may generally route or forward user data packets to or from the WTRUs 602. Serving gateway 706 may also perform other functions, such as anchoring user planes during inter-eNode B handovers, triggering paging when downlink data is available for WTRUs 602, managing or storing contexts of WTRUs 602, or the like.

Serving gateway 706 may also be connected to PDN gateway 708, which may provide WTRUs 602 with access to packet-switched networks, such as Internet 610, to facilitate communications between WTRUs 602 and IP-enabled devices.

Core network 606 may facilitate communications with other networks. For example, core network 606 may provide WTRUs 602 with access to circuit-switched networks, such as PSTN 608, such as through IMS core 614, to facilitate communications between WTRUs 602 and traditional land-line communications devices. In addition, core network 606 may provide the WTRUs 602 with access to other networks 612, which may include other wired or wireless networks that are owned or operated by other service providers.

FIG. 8 depicts an overall block diagram of an example packet-based mobile cellular network environment, such as a GPRS network as described herein. In the example packet-based mobile cellular network environment shown in FIG. 8, there are a plurality of base station subsystems (BSS) 800 (only one is shown), each of which comprises a base station controller (BSC) 802 serving a plurality of BTSs, such as BTSs 804, 806, 808. BTSs 804, 806, 808 are the access points where users of packet-based mobile devices become connected to the wireless network. In example fashion, the packet traffic originating from mobile devices is transported via an over-the-air interface to BTS 808, and from BTS 808 to BSC 802. Base station subsystems, such as BSS 800, are a part of internal frame relay network 810 that can include a service GPRS support nodes (SGSN), such as SGSN 812 or SGSN 814. Each SGSN 812, 814 is connected to an internal packet network 816 through which SGSN 812, 814 can route data packets to or from a plurality of gateway GPRS support nodes (GGSN) 818, 820, 822. As illustrated, SGSN 814 and GGSNs 818, 820, 822 are part of internal packet network 816. GGSNs 818, 820, 822 mainly provide an interface to external IP networks such as PLMN 824, corporate intranets/internets 826, or Fixed-End System (FES) or the public Internet 828. As illustrated, subscriber corporate network 826 may be connected to GGSN 820 via a firewall 830. PLMN 824 may be connected to GGSN 820 via a boarder gateway router (BGR) 832. A Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) server 834 may be used for caller authentication when a user calls corporate network 826.

Generally, there may be a several cell sizes in a network, referred to as macro, micro, pico, femto or umbrella cells. The coverage area of each cell is different in different environments. Macro cells can be regarded as cells in which the base station antenna is installed in a mast or a building above average roof top level. Micro cells are cells whose antenna height is under average roof top level. Micro cells are typically used in urban areas. Pico cells are small cells having a diameter of a few dozen meters. Pico cells are used mainly indoors. Femto cells have the same size as pico cells, but a smaller transport capacity. Femto cells are used indoors, in residential or small business environments. On the other hand, umbrella cells are used to cover shadowed regions of smaller cells and fill in gaps in coverage between those cells.

FIG. 9 illustrates an architecture of a typical GPRS network 900 as described herein. The architecture depicted in FIG. 9 may be segmented into four groups: users 902, RAN 904, core network 906, and interconnect network 908. Users 902 comprise a plurality of end users, who each may use one or more devices 910. Note that device 910 is referred to as a mobile subscriber (MS) in the description of network shown in FIG. 9. In an example, device 910 comprises a communications device (e.g., mobile device 102, mobile positioning center 116, network device 300, any of detected devices 500, second device 508, access device 604, access device 606, access device 608, access device 610 or the like, or any combination thereof). Radio access network 904 comprises a plurality of BSSs such as BSS 912, which includes a BTS 914 and a BSC 916. Core network 906 may include a host of various network elements. As illustrated in FIG. 9, core network 906 may comprise MSC 918, service control point (SCP) 920, gateway MSC (GMSC) 922, SGSN 924, home location register (HLR) 926, authentication center (AuC) 928, domain name system (DNS) server 930, and GGSN 932. Interconnect network 908 may also comprise a host of various networks or other network elements. As illustrated in FIG. 9, interconnect network 908 comprises a PSTN 934, an FES/Internet 936, a firewall 1038, or a corporate network 940.

An MSC can be connected to a large number of BSCs. At MSC 918, for instance, depending on the type of traffic, the traffic may be separated in that voice may be sent to PSTN 934 through GMSC 922, or data may be sent to SGSN 924, which then sends the data traffic to GGSN 932 for further forwarding.

When MSC 918 receives call traffic, for example, from BSC 916, it sends a query to a database hosted by SCP 920, which processes the request and issues a response to MSC 918 so that it may continue call processing as appropriate.

HLR 926 is a centralized database for users to register to the GPRS network. HLR 926 stores static information about the subscribers such as the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), subscribed services, or a key for authenticating the subscriber. HLR 926 also stores dynamic subscriber information such as the current location of the MS. Associated with HLR 926 is AuC 928, which is a database that contains the algorithms for authenticating subscribers and includes the associated keys for encryption to safeguard the user input for authentication.

In the following, depending on context, “mobile subscriber” or “MS” sometimes refers to the end user and sometimes to the actual portable device, such as a mobile device, used by an end user of the mobile cellular service. When a mobile subscriber turns on his or her mobile device, the mobile device goes through an attach process by which the mobile device attaches to an SGSN of the GPRS network. In FIG. 9, when MS 910 initiates the attach process by turning on the network capabilities of the mobile device, an attach request is sent by MS 910 to SGSN 924. The SGSN 924 queries another SGSN, to which MS 910 was attached before, for the identity of MS 910. Upon receiving the identity of MS 910 from the other SGSN, SGSN 924 requests more information from MS 910. This information is used to authenticate MS 910 together with the information provided by HLR 926. Once verified, SGSN 924 sends a location update to HLR 926 indicating the change of location to a new SGSN, in this case SGSN 924. HLR 926 notifies the old SGSN, to which MS 910 was attached before, to cancel the location process for MS 910. HLR 926 then notifies SGSN 924 that the location update has been performed. At this time, SGSN 924 sends an Attach Accept message to MS 910, which in turn sends an Attach Complete message to SGSN 924.

Next, MS 910 establishes a user session with the destination network, corporate network 940, by going through a Packet Data Protocol (PDP) activation process. Briefly, in the process, MS 910 requests access to the Access Point Name (APN), for example, UPS.com, and SGSN 924 receives the activation request from MS 910. SGSN 924 then initiates a DNS query to learn which GGSN 932 has access to the UPS.com APN. The DNS query is sent to a DNS server within core network 906, such as DNS server 930, which is provisioned to map to one or more GGSNs in core network 906. Based on the APN, the mapped GGSN 932 can access requested corporate network 940. SGSN 924 then sends to GGSN 932 a Create PDP Context Request message that contains necessary information. GGSN 932 sends a Create PDP Context Response message to SGSN 924, which then sends an Activate PDP Context Accept message to MS 910.

Once activated, data packets of the call made by MS 910 can then go through RAN 904, core network 906, and interconnect network 908, in a particular FES/Internet 936 and firewall 1038, to reach corporate network 940.

FIG. 10 illustrates a PLMN block diagram view of an example architecture that may be replaced by a telecommunications system. In FIG. 10, solid lines may represent user traffic signals, and dashed lines may represent support signaling. MS 1002 is the physical equipment used by the PLMN subscriber. For example, drone 102, network device 300, the like, or any combination thereof may serve as MS 1002. MS 1002 may be one of, but not limited to, a cellular telephone, a cellular telephone in combination with another electronic device or any other wireless mobile communication device.

MS 1002 may communicate wirelessly with BSS 1004. BSS 1004 contains BSC 1006 and a BTS 1008. BSS 1004 may include a single BSC 1006/BTS 1008 pair (base station) or a system of BSC/BTS pairs that are part of a larger network. BSS 1004 is responsible for communicating with MS 1002 and may support one or more cells. BSS 1004 is responsible for handling cellular traffic and signaling between MS 1002 and a core network 1010. Typically, BSS 1004 performs functions that include, but are not limited to, digital conversion of speech channels, allocation of channels to mobile devices, paging, or transmission/reception of cellular signals.

Additionally, MS 1002 may communicate wirelessly with RNS 1012. RNS 1012 contains a Radio Network Controller (RNC) 1014 and one or more Nodes B 1016. RNS 1012 may support one or more cells. RNS 1012 may also include one or more RNC 1014/Node B 1016 pairs or alternatively a single RNC 1014 may manage multiple Nodes B 1016. RNS 1012 is responsible for communicating with MS 1002 in its geographically defined area. RNC 1014 is responsible for controlling Nodes B 1016 that are connected to it and is a control element in a UMTS radio access network. RNC 1014 performs functions such as, but not limited to, load control, packet scheduling, handover control, security functions, or controlling MS 1002 access to core network 1010.

An E-UTRA Network (E-UTRAN) 1018 is a RAN that provides wireless data communications for MS 1002 and UE 1024. E-UTRAN 1018 provides higher data rates than traditional UMTS. It is part of the LTE upgrade for mobile networks, and later releases meet the requirements of the International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) Advanced and are commonly known as a 4G networks. E-UTRAN 1018 may include of series of logical network components such as E-UTRAN Node B (eNB) 1020 and E-UTRAN Node B (eNB) 1022. E-UTRAN 1018 may contain one or more eNBs. User equipment (UE) 1024 may be any mobile device capable of connecting to E-UTRAN 1018 including, but not limited to, a personal computer, laptop, mobile device, wireless router, or other device capable of wireless connectivity to E-UTRAN 1018. The improved performance of the E-UTRAN 1018 relative to a typical UMTS network allows for increased bandwidth, spectral efficiency, and functionality including, but not limited to, voice, high-speed applications, large data transfer or IPTV, while still allowing for full mobility.

Typically, MS 1002 may communicate with any or all of BSS 1004, RNS 1012, or E-UTRAN 1018. In an illustrative system, each of BSS 1004, RNS 1012, and E-UTRAN 1018 may provide MS 1002 with access to core network 1010. Core network 1010 may include of a series of devices that route data and communications between end users. Core network 1010 may provide network service functions to users in the circuit switched (CS) domain or the packet switched (PS) domain. The CS domain refers to connections in which dedicated network resources are allocated at the time of connection establishment and then released when the connection is terminated. The PS domain refers to communications and data transfers that make use of autonomous groupings of bits called packets. Each packet may be routed, manipulated, processed or handled independently of all other packets in the PS domain and does not require dedicated network resources.

The circuit-switched MGW function (CS-MGW) 1026 is part of core network 1010 and interacts with VLR/MSC server 1028 and GMSC server 1030 in order to facilitate core network 1010 resource control in the CS domain. Functions of CS-MGW 1026 include, but are not limited to, media conversion, bearer control, payload processing or other mobile network processing such as handover or anchoring. CS-MGW 1026 may receive connections to MS 1002 through BSS 1004 or RNS 1012.

SGSN 1032 stores subscriber data regarding MS 1002 in order to facilitate network functionality. SGSN 1032 may store subscription information such as, but not limited to, the IMSI, temporary identities, or PDP addresses. SGSN 1032 may also store location information such as, but not limited to, GGSN address for each GGSN 1034 where an active PDP exists. GGSN 1034 may implement a location register function to store subscriber data it receives from SGSN 1032 such as subscription or location information.

Serving gateway (S-GW) 1036 is an interface which provides connectivity between E-UTRAN 1018 and core network 1010. Functions of S-GW 1036 include, but are not limited to, packet routing, packet forwarding, transport level packet processing, or user plane mobility anchoring for inter-network mobility. PCRF 1038 uses information gathered from P-GW 1036, as well as other sources, to make applicable policy and charging decisions related to data flows, network resources or other network administration functions. PDN gateway (PDN-GW) 1040 may provide user-to-services connectivity functionality including, but not limited to, GPRS/EPC network anchoring, bearer session anchoring and control, or IP address allocation for PS domain connections.

HSS 1042 is a database for user information and stores subscription data regarding MS 1002 or UE 1024 for handling calls or data sessions. Networks may contain one HSS 1042 or more if additional resources are required. Example data stored by HSS 1042 include, but is not limited to, user identification, numbering or addressing information, security information, or location information. HSS 1042 may also provide call or session establishment procedures in both the PS and CS domains.

VLR/MSC Server 1028 provides user location functionality. When MS 1002 enters a new network location, it begins a registration procedure. A MSC server for that location transfers the location information to the VLR for the area. A VLR and MSC server may be located in the same computing environment, as is shown by VLR/MSC server 1028, or alternatively may be located in separate computing environments. A VLR may contain, but is not limited to, user information such as the IMSI, the Temporary Mobile Station Identity (TMSI), the Local Mobile Station Identity (LMSI), the last known location of the mobile station, or the SGSN where the mobile station was previously registered. The MSC server may contain information such as, but not limited to, procedures for MS 1002 registration or procedures for handover of MS 1002 to a different section of core network 1010. GMSC server 1030 may serve as a connection to alternate GMSC servers for other MSs in larger networks.

EIR 1044 is a logical element which may store the IMEI for MS 1002. User equipment may be classified as either “white listed” or “black listed” depending on its status in the network. If MS 1002 is stolen and put to use by an unauthorized user, it may be registered as “black listed” in EIR 1044, preventing its use on the network. A MME 1046 is a control node which may track MS 1002 or UE 1024 if the devices are idle. Additional functionality may include the ability of MME 1046 to contact idle MS 1002 or UE 1024 if retransmission of a previous session is required.

As described herein, a telecommunications system wherein management and control utilizing a software designed network (SDN) and a simple IP are based, at least in part, on user equipment, may provide a wireless management and control framework that enables common wireless management and control, such as mobility management, radio resource management, QoS, load balancing, etc., across many wireless technologies, e.g. LTE, Wi-Fi, and future 5G access technologies; decoupling the mobility control from data planes to let them evolve and scale independently; reducing network state maintained in the network based on user equipment types to reduce network cost and allow massive scale; shortening cycle time and improving network upgradability; flexibility in creating end-to-end services based on types of user equipment and applications, thus improve customer experience; or improving user equipment power efficiency and battery life—especially for simple M2M devices—through enhanced wireless management.

While examples of a telecommunications system in which mobile microcells can be deployed and managed have been described in connection with various computing devices/processors, the underlying concepts may be applied to any computing device, processor, or system capable of facilitating a telecommunications system. The various techniques described herein may be implemented in connection with hardware or software or, where appropriate, with a combination of both. Thus, the methods and devices may take the form of program code (i.e., instructions) embodied in concrete, tangible, storage media having a concrete, tangible, physical structure. Examples of tangible storage media include floppy diskettes, CD-ROMs, DVDs, hard drives, or any other tangible machine-readable storage medium (computer-readable storage medium). Thus, a computer-readable storage medium is not a signal. A computer-readable storage medium is not a transient signal. Further, a computer-readable storage medium is not a propagating signal. A computer-readable storage medium as described herein is an article of manufacture. When the program code is loaded into and executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomes a device for telecommunications. In the case of program code execution on programmable computers, the computing device will generally include a processor, a storage medium readable by the processor (including volatile or nonvolatile memory or storage elements), at least one input device, and at least one output device. The program(s) can be implemented in assembly or machine language, if desired. The language can be a compiled or interpreted language and may be combined with hardware implementations.

The methods and devices associated with a telecommunications system as described herein also may be practiced via communications embodied in the form of program code that is transmitted over some transmission medium, such as over electrical wiring or cabling, through fiber optics, or via any other form of transmission, wherein, when the program code is received and loaded into and executed by a machine, such as an EPROM, a gate array, a programmable logic device (PLD), a client computer, or the like, the machine becomes an device for implementing telecommunications as described herein. When implemented on a general-purpose processor, the program code combines with the processor to provide a unique device that operates to invoke the functionality of a telecommunications system.

While a telecommunications system has been described in connection with the various examples of the various figures, it is to be understood that other similar implementations may be used, or modifications and additions may be made to the described examples of a telecommunications system without deviating therefrom. For example, one skilled in the art will recognize that a telecommunications system as described in the instant application may apply to any environment, whether wired or wireless, and may be applied to any number of such devices connected via a communications network and interacting across the network. Therefore, a telecommunications system as described herein should not be limited to any single example, but rather should be construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims. 

1. A system comprising: a super microcell configured to communicate on a mobile network while serving a geographic area; a plurality of mobile microcells in communication with the super microcell, each of the plurality of mobile microcells configured to move in tandem with a mobile platform, wherein each of the mobile microcells are further configured to operate as a plurality of microcells on the mobile network while the mobile platform is traveling through the geographic area; an edge management system in communication with the super microcell and the mobile microcell; and a scheduling engine in communication with the edge management system, the scheduling engine configured to determine service coverage of the plurality of mobile microcells based on routes of the mobile platforms.
 2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a policy database having service levels contained therein, the policy database being in communication with the edge management system and the scheduling engine.
 3. The system of claim 1 further comprising a second plurality of mobile microcells wherein each of the plurality of mobile microcells being attached to an unmanned aerial vehicle.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein the scheduling engine further comprises an adjustment engine.
 5. The system of claim 4 wherein inputs to the adjustment engine include external event data comprising one of an emergency event or a weather event.
 6. A system comprising: a super microcell configured to communicate on a mobile network; a plurality of mobile microcells in communication with the super microcell, each of the plurality of mobile microcells configured to move in tandem with a mobile platform; an edge management system in communication with the super microcell and the mobile microcell; a scheduling engine in communication with the edge management system, the scheduling engine configured to determine service coverage of the plurality of mobile microcells based on routes of the mobile platforms; and a second mobile microcell attached to an unmanned aerial vehicle wherein the scheduling engine is configured to determine whether additional service capacity is desired.
 7. The system of claim 6 further comprising a policy database having a service level for a coverage area contained therein, the policy database being in communication with the edge management system and the scheduling engine.
 8. The system of claim 7 wherein the scheduling engine uses the service level agreements to determine whether additional service capacity is desired.
 9. The system of claim 1 wherein the mobile microcell rotates while traversing a coverage area.
 10. A method comprising: Accessing a schedule of a plurality of mobile platforms, each of the mobile platforms having a mobile microcell moving in tandem therewith; Determining a service level for a coverage area; Comparing a capacity of network resources in the coverage area with the service level, and Scheduling one of a pluialily of mobile plalfoims to piovide a mobile miciocell in the coverage area based on the comparing step.
 11. The method of claim 10 further comprising receiving external event data and assessing the capacity of the network resources in the coverage area in view of the external event.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein the external event is one of a weather event or an emergency event.
 13. The method of claim 12 further comprising adjusting the capacity of the network resources to meet the service level.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the adjusting step comprises adjusting the capacity of the network resources by deploying a supplemental mobile microcell attached to an unmanned aerial vehicle in the coverage area
 15. The method of claim 10 wherein the mobile platforms comprise municipal vehicles.
 16. The method of claim 10 further comprising adjusting the capacity of the network resources by deploying a supplemental mobile microcell attached to an unmanned aerial vehicle in the coverage area.
 17. The method of claim 10 wherein the scheduling step also comprises scheduling a mobile microcell attached to an unmanned aerial vehicle to be deployed in the coverage area
 18. The method of claim 10 further comprising coordinating when mobile platforms are entering or leaving the coverage area and the scheduling step includes the coordinating step.
 19. A network comprising: an edge management system in communication with a core network; a super microcell in communication the edge management system; and a mobile microcell in communication with the super microcell while traveling through a geographic area.
 20. The network of claim 19 further comprising a scheduling engine configured to control the use of the mobile microcell in the network. 